US warns N. Korea of response to nukes
SEOUL: US President Donald Trump’s defence secretary yesterday warned North Korea of an ‘‘effective and overwhelming’’ response if Pyongyang chose to use nuclear weapons, as he reassured Seoul of steadfast US support at the end of a twoday visit.
‘‘Any attack on the United States, or our allies, will be defeated, and any use of nuclear weapons would be met with a response that would be effective and overwhelming,’’ Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said at South Korea’s defence ministry.
Mattis’ remarks come amid concern North Korea could be readying to test a ballistic missile, in what could be a challenge for Trump’s administration.
North Korea, which regularly threatens South Korea and its main ally, the US, conducted more than 20 missile tests last year, and two nuclear tests, in defiance of the UN and sanctions.
The North appears to have also restarted operation of a reactor at its main Yongbyon nuclear facility that produces plutonium that can be used for its nuclear weapons programme, according to US think tank 38 North.
‘‘North Korea continues to launch missiles, develop its nuclear weapons programme and engage in threatening rhetoric and behaviour,’’ Mattis said.
North Korea’s actions have prompted the US and South Korea to bolster defences, including the expected deployment of a US missile defence system, known as Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), in South Korea later this year. The two sides reconfirmed that commitment yesterday.
China, however, has objected to THAAD, saying it will destabilise the regional security balance. .
South Korean Defence Minister Han Minkoo said Mattis’ visit to Seoul sent a clear message of strong US support.
‘‘Faced with a current severe security situation, Secretary Mattis’ visit to Korea . . . also communicates the strongest warning to North Korea,’’ Han said. — Reuters